IMPORTS CUSTOMS PROCEDURE
All cargo entering the UAE is subject to import regulations, specific restrictions and inspections. A general summary follows:
INSPECTION
AIR FRIEGHT - LCL / BREAK BULK CARGO. Inspection and clearance takes place at port of Arrival in the
LCL/CFs area. Consignee's attendance at inspection is required when the cargo is Household and personal effects.
SEA FREIGHT - LCL CARGO Inspection and Clearance takes place at Port of Arrival in the LCL / CFs area. Consignee's attendance at inspection is required when the cargo is household and personal Effects.
For Single Shipper FCL Household and Personal Effects cargo, when POE is Dubai and delivery is to a house or villa in Dubai or Sharjah with space to park a container outside, customs
b) ROAD TRAILERS ARRIVING AT UAE LAND BORDERS. Inspection and Clearance takes place at the border. Consignee's attendance is not required, however the import of Household and Personal Effects is only permitted if the consignee has a valid UAE residence visa stamped in the passport. if the visa is not stamped in the passport, a letter from the client's employer confirming that the visa is under application is also required. National from Gulf Co-operation Council member countries do not require a residence visa.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The importation of Alcohol Drugs, Pornographic materials, Arms, Ammunition, Dangerous objects, Items made of Ivory and
products of Israeli origin is prohibited. Certain commercial goods require an import license / Government approval.
The important of video cassettes, music cassettes, CD's computer software, books and magazines is permitted, however these items must be produced to customs at the time of inspection when they will be removed to the Ministry of Information for censorship. Items cleared by the Ministry, as being acceptable will be returned to the consignee after 2-3 weeks. Items banned will be destroyed or re-exported to the country of origin consignee's expense.
CUSTOMS DUTY
All commercial goods are subject to customs duty. Currently the duty rate is 5% based on the C.I.F value. Used Household
and Personal Effects are zero-rated. Both new and used motor vehicles / boats incur duty at current rates.
Items imported on a temporary basis for an exhibition or trade show incur a duty deposit at current duty rates. The deposit can be reclaimed upon re-export provided time limits set by the Department of Ports and Customs are adhered to.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION
We recommend Dubai as the P.O.E. irrespective of the final delivery destination as the Dubai Government import and
handling procedures are extremely efficient. Imports through Dubai airport can be cleared within 6-12 hours. Sea imports
can be cleared within 3-4 days.
All cargo must be consigned to the client / importer C/o AHMED SALEH PACKING, P.O. Box 2606, Dubai, UAE.
We require:
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Fax pre-advise with all relevant client / contact / handling / accounting information.
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Original and Original copy Bill of Lading / Airway Bill (to accompany air shipment).
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Original and original copy Packing Inventory.
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For commercial / new items, C.I.F. invoice and certificate of origin are also required. An Arab Chamber of Commerce must legalize these in the country of origin.
AHMED SALEH PACKING will liaises with clients to arrange customs inspection, clearance and delivery
We require:
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A letter from Client / Importer to the Department of Ports and Customs authorizing AHMED SALEH PACKING to undertake clearance on their behalf. This is a standard form that we provide.
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For Household and personal Effects. A Copy of client's Passport showing a valid residence visa. if the visa is not stamped in the passport, a letter from the client's employer confirming that the visa is under application is required.
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For Diplomatic Shipments. A copy of client's Passport and a letter from the U.A.E. Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorizing exemption from customs duty.
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For Commercial Cargo, Copies of the importer's trade license together with the importer's registered customs code number.